When Does Workman’s Comp Start Paying in Florida?

Getting injured on the job doesn’t just impact your health - it can turn your entire life upside down. Medical bills start piling up and the uncertainty about when you’ll receive workers’ compensation benefits only adds to the stress.

Florida’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to provide financial relief, but how soon can you count on those payments? If you’re waiting for benefits, you might be wondering: when does workman’s comp start paying?

The Timeline for Worker’s Compensation Benefits in Florida

Florida law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but payments don’t begin immediately after an injury. Several steps must take place before benefits are approved and issued.

When Do Wage Replacement Benefits Begin?

If your work-related injury or illness prevents you from working, Florida law states that wage replacement benefits start on the eighth day of disability. The first seven days are considered a waiting period, meaning no benefits are paid unless your disability lasts longer than 21 days. If you’re out of work for more than three weeks, you will receive retroactive payment for those first seven days.

The insurance company has up to 14 days from the date they receive notice of the injury to issue the first payment. If payments are delayed without good cause, the insurer may owe a 20% penalty on the unpaid benefits plus interest.

How Much Will You Receive?

Florida workers’ compensation typically covers 66-2/3% of your average weekly wage (AWW), based on the 13 weeks before the injury. However, Florida sets a maximum weekly compensation amount that changes each year. In 2025, the maximum benefit is $1,295 per week.

If you can work in a reduced capacity, temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits may apply. These payments cover a portion of the difference between your pre-injury earnings and what you’re able to earn while recovering.

When Do Medical Benefits Start?

Florida workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatment immediately after a work-related injury - there is no waiting period for medical care. However, you must see a doctor authorized by the workers’ comp insurance carrier. If the employer does not provide a doctor within a reasonable timeframe, you may be able to select one on your own.

Steps to Take After a Work Injury

To avoid delays in receiving benefits, it’s important to take these steps immediately after a work-related injury:

1. Report the Injury – Notify your employer as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the accident. Failing to report the injury within this timeframe may result in a denial of benefits.
2. Seek Medical Care – Visit a medical provider approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
3. Follow Up with Your Employer and the Insurance Company – Employers must file a claim with their insurance provider within seven days of being notified. The insurance carrier then has three days to send you information about your rights and benefits.
4. Keep Records – Document medical visits, lost wages, and communications with your employer and insurance provider.

What If There Are Delays in Receiving Benefits?

As mentioned earlier, if your payments are late, the insurance company may owe a penalty of 20% of the unpaid benefits plus interest. Late payments can occur for various reasons, including administrative issues, disputes over medical records, or employer delays in reporting the injury.

If the insurance company denies or delays your claim without cause, you have the right to challenge their decision. Filing a Petition for Benefits with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation may be necessary if payments are wrongfully withheld. Since disputes with insurance companies can be difficult to resolve on your own, consulting with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your options and take the right steps to pursue your benefits.

How Long Do Benefits Last?

Workers’ compensation benefits depend on the severity of your injury and whether you can return to work.

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits last up to 104 weeks (two years) or until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) - whichever comes first.
• If you have not reached MMI at the 104-week mark, the Florida Supreme Court’s ruling in Westphal v. City of St. Petersburg allows benefits to continue for up to 260 weeks (five years).
• If your doctor determines after MMI that you cannot return to any form of work, you may qualify for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits, which provide long-term financial support.

Waiting for workers’ compensation payments can be stressful, especially when bills pile up. While Florida law outlines clear deadlines for when benefits should start, delays can still happen. If payments are taking longer than expected or if your claim is denied, you have options to challenge the decision and seek the support you need.

Waiting for Workers’ Comp Payments? Get Help with Your Claim.

Delays in workers’ compensation benefits can leave you stressed and unsure of what to do next. At Lyle B. Masnikoff & Associates, we work with injured employees to protect their rights and make sure they receive the benefits they’re owed.

Whether you’re dealing with late payments, denied claims, or questions about your eligibility, our team is ready to assess your case and explain your options. If your benefits aren’t arriving as they should, you don’t have to handle the situation alone.

Your online search for a “workmans’ comp lawyer near me” brought you to this blog. Take the next step and call us at (561) 598-7120 or visit our website to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Take action today and get the support you need to move forward.

Let us go the extra mile for you!

Copyright © 2025. Lyle B. Masnikoff & Associates, P.A. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

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This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different - call (561) 598-7120 for a free consultation about yours.